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Painful Menstrual Periods

Definition

Painful menstrual periods, also called dysmenorrhea, may include pain in the pelvis, abdomen, back, or legs, abdominal cramps, headache, and fatigue. Most women have painful periods at some time in their lives. In some women, the pain is severe enough to interfere with normal activities.

You are also at risk if you have a related condition, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

Symptoms

The pain associated with either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea may be sharp and throbbing, or dull and aching. It is most typically located in the lower abdomen and may spread to the low back or thighs. Other symptoms may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Menstrual cycle problems. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/menstrual-cycle-problems.html. Accessed August 25, 2014.

Dysmenorrhea: symptoms. American Academy of Family Physicians' Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/dysmenorrhea.html. Updated April 2014. Accessed August 25, 2014.